Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz Exit Magical Elves

Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz are leaving Magical Elves, the production company they founded that produces such shows as Top Chef and Project Runway.

Magical Elves, launched in 2001, was acquired by the Tinopolis Group in 2014. A press release announcing the exit of Cutforth and Lipsitz said they would be returning “to their entrepreneurial roots as independent producers,” while continuing to deliver creative services on their shows.

“Tinopolis is home to many of the industry’s most successful and respected producers, in the U.S. and across the globe, and Dan and Jane have been tremendous contributors since our acquisition of Magical Elves in 2014,” said Tinopolis Group Founder and Chairman Ron Jones and CEO Arwel Rees. “Against the backdrop of a continually evolving business, they have consistently helped us deliver thousands of hours of quality content as part of a world-class team. Dan and Jane’s creativity and professionalism have been their hallmark and those values will continue to be nurtured within Magical Elves through this transition and beyond.”

Cutforth and Lipsitz added, “It would have been hard to imagine when we started the company that we’d be this fortunate with our partners and collaborators, from incredibly smart and supportive distribution partners, and amazing talent, to a gifted team of producers, production staff and employees—and of course the team at Tinopolis. We’re proud to have created a culture of collaboration and risk-taking, so core to the success of the work we all do. As independent producers, we’re excited to continue telling stories that showcase extraordinary, creative people and innovative voices. We are grateful to Tinopolis for being great partners on every front, for their consideration in respecting our choice, and for working with us on a transition that puts our shows and talent first.”

Arthur Smith, the CEO of A. Smith & Co. and chairman of Tinopolis USA, will have oversight of Magical Elves once the transition is complete. The company’s production portfolio includes Top Chef on Bravo, Project Runway on Bravo, Nailed It! and Sugar Rush for Netflix, Braxton Family Values for WE tv and Cold Justice for Oxygen.